Cerebral and funny, Tom Stoppard’s existential comedy “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” takes two minor characters from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and puts them on a stage, mostly alone, to ponder whether they control their own existence or are simply pawns in something bigger and beyond their control. Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival’s production is both entertaining and profound.

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival’s stark production of “Hamlet” is dark, moody and fascinating.
Shakespeare‘s epic tragedy, which is marked by outstanding performances and confident direction, continues through Aug. 3 on the Main Stage Theatre, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, in Center Valley.

Pines Dinner Theatre delivers an energetic, fun and tuneful production of the rocking hit musical “Footloose.”
More than a dozen performers fill the Pines’ stage with rousing music and dancing in the musical that features several popular hit songs, as well as new songs.
“Footloose” is playing through Aug. 16, at the Pines’ new location in Cedar Point at 315 S. Cedar Crest Boulevard, Allentown.

Harrowing, yet hopeful, Pennsylvania Shakepeare Festival’s “A Raisin in the Sun” paints a picture of a troubling American landscape (that has changed less than you would hope,) but also makes the case for standing up for what is right, even when the odds are stacked against you.
This devastating, but determined production is on stage through July 13 in Schubert Theatre, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley.